World Elder Abuse Awareness Day drew attention to a problem which is more common than you may think.
The event was held on Thursday, June 15 co-hosted by the North Coast Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (NCIMSS), the Kaien Anti-Poverty Society and Better At Home to better inform the community on the ongoing issue.
“It’s being brought out into the open,” said Ladan Zahrai, co-ordinator for NCIMSS. She added that individuals may be participating in elder abuse without understanding it.
Attendees were welcomed to the Tsimshian territory by elder Sadie Dennis and host Luisa Sanchez, president of NCIMSS, shared examples of elder abuse — which can occur in Prince Rupert.
The afternoon presentation provided information about power of attorney, services provided by Northern Health, tips to stay healthy and how to protect yourself or others from scam artists who prey on the elderly.
Examples of elder abuse include censoring of mail, invasion of privacy, denial of access to visitors, over medication, intimidation, humiliation, physical and sexual assault, neglect and financial abuse.
“It could be grandma giving you her bank card and being forgetful,” Zahrai said, “If you deny her access to her funds, a lot of people see that as a ‘family issue,’ but no, that’s not right.”
Elder abuse is a significant concern in British Columbia where 18.3 per cent of the population is over 65 years, compared to the 16.9 per cent national average. Seven out of the 10 Canadian cities with the largest proportion of people over 85 years are in B.C. as stated in a press release issued by BC Notaries.
“We often work with seniors and their loved ones to create legal documents that help protect them from becoming victims of fraud,” said Rhoda Witherly, a notary in Prince Rupert, “Unfortunately, while many people assume most abusers are strangers, in actual fact it’s too-often a family member pressuring a grandparent, parent or other elderly family member for money.”
If you’re concerned about the neglect, self neglect or abuse of an elder in your life, contact Healthlink BC via telephone at 811. If you’re aware of criminal activity involving an elder in your life call 911.